Growing up in India, whenever we had a bruise that was swelling up fast, it was treated very effectively with turmeric. The turmeric was heated with slaked lime [calcium hydroxide], forming a paste. The warm paste was applied on the bruise.

Growing up in India, whenever we had a bruise that was swelling up fast, it was treated very effectively with turmeric. The turmeric was heated with slaked lime [calcium hydroxide], forming a paste. The warm paste was applied on the bruise.

Within minutes, the pain would subside, and the swelling would go down in a couple of hours. The lime would make the skin weird for a few days, but the paste was very effective.

In addition, if we were feeling symptoms of an oncoming cold, a glass of milk with a pinch of raw turmeric would help us hold up much better.

Turmeric is used in curry and is responsible for the yellow color of mustard. We have heard from people who grew up in India that turmeric has many benefits.

Scientists are studying the active ingredient in this spice (curcumin) for its potential activity against Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and even cancer.

Another person offered this: “I am from India. My mother taught me to use just 1 or 2 teaspoons of turmeric in cooking a dish for the family. Each person might get 1/2 or2/3 teaspoon. This dose has been passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years.

“I currently live in the U.S. Many people here buy turmeric in bulk and use it without any dosing guidance. Too much in a meal can upset your stomach and is not good for you.

“When I get a small cut that bleeds, I put turmeric powder on it to stop the bleeding. It stops right away, and within a few days the cut has healed.”

I am in my early 60s, and I am miserable with hot flashes. My doctor has taken me off hormones because he is concerned about the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. (I do have high blood pressure.)

Now that it is so darned hot outside, my frequent hot flashes are even harder to bear. This is no way to live! I would appreciate any information on how to alleviate this problem.

Something new in donuts and coffee comes to Bradenton

How dangerous is the smoke from fires & explosions at the Texas chemical plant?

Fires and two explosions rocked a Houston-area chemical plant on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 in the wake of Harvey and its floods. When it comes to how dangerous the smoke from the plant is, local officials and FEMA have given statements that range from "non-toxic" to "the plume is incredibly dangerous."